Cannabis concentrate is a potent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) mass that looks like butter or honey. The aim of this process of extraction is to rid the cannabis of plant matter and remove the resin glands from the plant. This form of cannabis has very high levels of THC that range from 40-80%.
A study was done for males between the ages of 18 and 35. A PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan was done so as to observe the CB 1 (cannabinoid) receptor. This receptor is triggered by the THC present in cannabis and causes psychoactive effects on the brain. Marijuana smokers in this study had about 20% less CB 1 receptors than those who do not use cannabis. The amount of cannabis that was used on a daily basis did not relate to the level of CB 1 reduction. No matter how much cannabis the individual consumed, the CB 1 receptor took 48 hours to go back to the normal levels. Four weeks after abstinence, there was no statistical difference in the PET scans between the marijuana user and non-user (Goldsmith, Targino, Fanciullo, Martin, Hartenbaum, White & Franklin, 2015).
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The distribution of THC in the body varies according to the body tissues involved. Within the first hour, the THC concentration drops significantly from 100% to about 20%. During this time, the concentration in the high perfusion tissues and the brain gradually increase to 40% in the first half hour and then to about 30% and 40% respectively thereafter. The THC concentration in the low perfusion tissues gradually increases and reaches a maximum of about 30% concentration after 48 hours (D'Souza, Cortes-Briones, Ranganathan, Thurnauer, Creatura, Surti, & Carson, 2015). The levels of concentration in the body fat continuously increase over hours and days to about 45% and release metabolites into the bloodstream. This concentration continuously reduces in these body tissues and may take even weeks to completely dissipate. Despite high levels of use, the individuals were found to have minimal cognitive impairment of processing speed. Neurocognitive functions like verbal memory and language function were normal and the individual could still function normally. The brain may have about 15% THC concentration levels but the individual would be fully functional.
References
D'Souza, D., Cortes-Briones, J., Ranganathan, M., Thurnauer, H., Creatura, G., Surti, T.,& Carson, R. (2015, December). Rapid Changes in CB1 Receptor Availability in Cannabis Dependent Males after Abstinence from Cannabis. In NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY (Vol. 40, pp. S589-S590). MACMILLAN BUILDING, 4 CRINAN ST, LONDON N1 9XW, ENGLAND: NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP.
Goldsmith, R. S., Targino, M. C., Fanciullo, G. J., Martin, D. W., Hartenbaum, N. P., White, J. M., & Franklin, P. (2015). Medical marijuana in the workplace: challenges and management options for occupational physicians. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine , 57 (5), 518.
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